Why Is My Dog Pooping Liquid Poop?

You are walking your dog and probably hoping your dog will go ahead and do its business. With your poop pickup bag at the ready, you trail after your four-legged friend, waiting for them to find the perfect spot. Although picking up after your dog is not the world's most inviting task, it is part of dog ownership, and you can feel good that you are a good neighbor and your dog is regular. But now, you see that your dog's poop is not solid but liquid. What should I do? The bad news is that you must start by closely inspecting the poop. The good news? The underlying condition is most likely treatable.

Is Your Dog Pooping Clear Liquid

If your dog is expelling a clear liquid, it most likely consists of the mucus that a dog's intestines use to protect it from bacteria. It is fine now and then in small amounts, but it probably signals a problem in large amounts. Possible issues that could cause clear (mucus) poop include:

• Stress: Dogs get anxious like people, and anxiety can cause diarrhea. Monitor them and see if they are displaying other nervous behaviors.

• Something they ate: The clear liquid could indicate that your puppy ate something that did not agree with them. Did you suddenly change their food or introduce something they might be allergic to? Or worse, could your dog have eaten something spoiled or poisonous? If this is the case, your dog will likely vomit—it's time for a vet visit.

• Medicine: Some medicines, like antibiotics, can kill bacteria in your dog's intestines, leading to clear diarrhea. Follow up with your vet if this happens during a new course of medication for your dog.

• Worms: When your dog comes down with worms, whether they are roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, or something else, they suck nutrients from your puppy's intestines and cause diarrhea. Look for white specks in your dog's feces if you suspect parasites.

• Something worse: While the previous issues are benign, it is possible that your dog's clear diarrhea could point to disorders like colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). You might consider enrolling your pet in an adult dog wellness plan to anticipate problems like this. Three tiers offer various pre-paid services, including preventative care, multiple office visits, and exams. Your finances and furry friend will express gratitude, leaving you with peace of mind, knowing your dog's health is safeguarded.

What Causes Bloody Diarrhea in Dogs

Occasional clear poop? No real cause for alarm. However, bloody diarrhea usually signals a more significant problem. Again, you'll want to observe the feces and note whether it is bright red or dark, reddish, and tarry.

• Bright red: If you see bright red blood in your dog's poop, schedule a vet visit immediately. It could be nothing, but it could also be several potentially dangerous conditions, like anal sac infections or even cancer. You'll need a vet's help to be sure.

• Dark red. If you see dark red blood in your dog's poop, schedule a vet visit immediately. This type of stool is called melena and means that the blood has come from the upper digestive tract and probably points to a more severe condition like infections, tumors, kidney failure, or even liver disease.

A bowel obstruction could also cause bloody diarrhea—in other words, your dog has eaten something it should not have and not food. Think of things like rocks, string, tennis balls, or bones. These things can cause diarrhea as the feces are squeezed around the obstructing object. Additional symptoms of bowel obstruction in dogs include vomiting, pain, weakness, and a loss of appetite.

What Should You Do if Your Dog Is Pooping Liquid Poop

If your dog is pooping clear liquid (mucus), give it 24 hours or so, and observe your pet. If it stops after one or two instances, and you observe worms or other parasites in the feces, your dog is probably safe. You can even try a home remedy for a dog with diarrhea, like fasting for 12 hours to let the digestive system reset. For any concerns, especially if there are other symptoms or bloody stool, it's wise to schedule a vet appointment. Contact Forever Vets to ensure your pet's health is in good hands.